Aquino to MNLF holdouts: value your lives

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 19): Aquino to MNLF holdouts: value your lives

Aquino is still in Zamboanga but has been out of the public eye until Thursday, September 19, when he gave a press briefing at the Zamboanga International Airport which he inspected after the facility has resumed operations.

In what sounds like an ultimatum, the President addressed the last holdouts from the rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga telling them to stop their acts of violence.

“Di pa huli ang lahat. Dun sa mga natitira na pwersa ng kalaban, para sa akin mahalaga ang buhay, baka gusto niyo tingnan kung mahalaga rin yung buhay niyo,” [It’s not yet too late. For the remaining enemy forces, for me life is valuable. Maybe you also want to see if your lives are valuable, too]”.

Aquino also announced that the government assistance for the affected community is in place. A total of P6.1 billion has been prepared for the rehabilitation of the city, which was greatly affected since the Moro rebels led by MNLF chairman Nur Misuari occupied some areas in Zamboanga.

Aquino, who kept his location secret during the height of the Zamboanga standoff, said he will stay in the area until the situation is over, assuring the public that the government will address the needs of the community and will conduct the necessary actions to end the conflict.

The president, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is confident that the Zamboanga siege will end soon as the government forces continue to reclaim the area previously held by rebels, with more hostages being rescued and rebels surrendering to the authority.

http://www.mb.com.ph/aquino-to-mnlf-know-if-your-lives-are-still-important/